This past week, many worries have entered my mind. I am trying to just give it all to God, but am struggling. Please pray that I can continue to give up control and have peace in whatever comes.
Last Monday, I think I mentioned, I started having contractions. As the week progressed, I noticed that Kenton dropped lower and the contractions continued if I was on my feet for too long. When my OB had checked my cervix about a month ago, she mentioned to me that Kenton was sitting very low and she could feel his pressure. Now that he has "dropped" and I am contracting, I am afraid that things will start to progress. I am only 31 weeks along ... he needs to stay in and cook longer.
I spent the weekend sitting on the couch, for the most part. I really tried to stay off my feet and hopefully things would calm down. When at church yesterday, merely standing for 15 minutes, I could begin to feel my stomach tighten. We are blessed with a fantastic sitter who took the boys today so I could try to rest and stay off my feet. Within having the boys home for a about 20 minutes tonight, trying to get them settled, and dinner made, I had already started to tighten and contract. Aaron took over when he got home and I sat and drank some water. I then gathered the boys and took them to neighborhood group, while Aaron went back to work to announce the basketball game. Everything went good at group and the boys were cooperative, for the most part. We got home, brushed teeth, and read stories. During story time, I contracted once or twice, but nothing too extreme.
I am becoming really concerned about not being able to take care of the boys. What do we if I'm put on bed rest? I finally have a good routine down and think I have behaviors under control for the most part. I have cherished this time with the boys and will be devastated if I can't spend this quality time with them before Kenton arrives. I have given control of my classroom away (which is a blessing in disguise), but am without a doubt not ready to relinquish the control of my house. I finally have my dream job and do not want to give that up.
So, once again, I could really use some prayers for strength, courage, and the ability to just let go and give it to God.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Pediatric Nephrologist
Sorry it took me so long to write this post. It's been a bit rough around here, but I'll get into that later.
On Friday, we met with Dr. Barletta at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Dr. Barletta specializes in pediatric kidney problems. Although we didn't learn too much new information, we walked away from the meeting feeling more confident in Kenton's possible treatment.
Dr. Barletta said that we are well ahead than most are with Kenton's possible diagnosis. Often times, children with congenital nephrosis aren't diagnosed for at least a couple of months after birth. The fact that we know that he could potentially have this disease means we can treat immediately and hopefully fend off serious complications for a while.
She then went on to explain more about how someone has congenital nephrosis. It's all rather complicated, but the gist is that we know that Kenton has one gene that is a carrier for congenital Finnish nephrosis. That recessive gene, if combined with a couple of different genes, could cause congenital nephrosis. There are several genes that could cause this and we have tested for a few of them, but not all of them apparently.
When Kenton is born, the NICU doctors will test his urine to see if he has an excess amount of protein. If he does and he tests positive for congenital nephrosis, we will then be transferred to Phoenix Children's Hospital so we can begin treatment right away. However, there is a chance that nothing will show up for a few days because he hasn't fully functioned on his own quite yet. Within the first week, we will go see Dr. Barletta (if he tests negative in the hospital), just to follow up and re-run tests once his body has to process on its own.
If Kenton does test positive, it will be a very rough year or two. We will likely spend a lot of time in the hospital getting treatments. Once he is roughly 22 pounds, which could take a while due to malnutrition, he is eligible for a kidney transplant. At this point, they would be looking for an adult donor. If the kidney takes, then Kenton is cured and will no longer have nephrosis. However, the lifespan of a kidney is roughly 15-20 years, meaning that he would need quite a few transplants in his lifespan. We also received a handout giving an overview on congenital nephrosis. I was going to scan it in and copy it, but Wikipedia has pretty much the same information here.
So, that is the gist of everything. We, of course, continue to pray that Kenton is completely healthy and that there is no reason for the protein in the amniotic fluid. I believe in a God that heals and know it is possible. I also have faith that He has a plan for us. Whatever that plan is, please pray for strength for us all and that we can be living testaments of God's power and love.
On Friday, we met with Dr. Barletta at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Dr. Barletta specializes in pediatric kidney problems. Although we didn't learn too much new information, we walked away from the meeting feeling more confident in Kenton's possible treatment.
Dr. Barletta said that we are well ahead than most are with Kenton's possible diagnosis. Often times, children with congenital nephrosis aren't diagnosed for at least a couple of months after birth. The fact that we know that he could potentially have this disease means we can treat immediately and hopefully fend off serious complications for a while.
She then went on to explain more about how someone has congenital nephrosis. It's all rather complicated, but the gist is that we know that Kenton has one gene that is a carrier for congenital Finnish nephrosis. That recessive gene, if combined with a couple of different genes, could cause congenital nephrosis. There are several genes that could cause this and we have tested for a few of them, but not all of them apparently.
When Kenton is born, the NICU doctors will test his urine to see if he has an excess amount of protein. If he does and he tests positive for congenital nephrosis, we will then be transferred to Phoenix Children's Hospital so we can begin treatment right away. However, there is a chance that nothing will show up for a few days because he hasn't fully functioned on his own quite yet. Within the first week, we will go see Dr. Barletta (if he tests negative in the hospital), just to follow up and re-run tests once his body has to process on its own.
If Kenton does test positive, it will be a very rough year or two. We will likely spend a lot of time in the hospital getting treatments. Once he is roughly 22 pounds, which could take a while due to malnutrition, he is eligible for a kidney transplant. At this point, they would be looking for an adult donor. If the kidney takes, then Kenton is cured and will no longer have nephrosis. However, the lifespan of a kidney is roughly 15-20 years, meaning that he would need quite a few transplants in his lifespan. We also received a handout giving an overview on congenital nephrosis. I was going to scan it in and copy it, but Wikipedia has pretty much the same information here.
So, that is the gist of everything. We, of course, continue to pray that Kenton is completely healthy and that there is no reason for the protein in the amniotic fluid. I believe in a God that heals and know it is possible. I also have faith that He has a plan for us. Whatever that plan is, please pray for strength for us all and that we can be living testaments of God's power and love.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
I spoke too soon ...
Have I mentioned that I have a tendency to overdo it? Well, Monday was a great example of this, I guess. Although, I do not know what I did to wipe myself out as much as I did.
Since it was a Monday, Talan didn't have school and I had both boys all day. I made breakfast for the boys, cleaned it up, did a quick craft with them, cleaned it up, dusted, made lunch, cleaned it up, put Hunter down for a nap, sat for a bit (when Talan would actually rest like he was supposed to be doing), made dinner, and went to our neighborhood group for church. Oh, I also folded the laundry, put it all away, and picked out the boys' clothes for the week. Overall, nothing too crazy, but Kenton thought otherwise. For the first time since not working, I was contracting pretty steadily.
I knew I had just overdone it and tried to sit and drink as much water as possible. The day after contracting, I tend to be worn out so I planned on an easy day. I wasn't going to do the vacuuming I had originally planned. I obviously had to take care of the kids and make sure everyone was fed, but sat most of the day.
On Wednesday, I assumed I would be as good as new and back to normal. Boy, was I wrong! I still felt exhausted and run-down. My legs felt like they couldn't support me if I was up for more than a few minutes at a time. To top it off, neither boy decided they were going to rest or nap at all. I was exhausted and just needed a break. Luckily, my loving mom came over and allowed me to take a much needed rest in my room.
Today was a better day. I woke up feeling weak again, but decided to try to get ready and see if that helped at all. Once Talan got on the bus to school, Hunter and I made a quick trip up to the store. I was able to do a few organizational things while sitting down today, which made me feel like I was at least accomplishing something. I also made a super yummy dinner. However, by the time it was time to eat, the contractions came back. I sat down and drank some water. This seemed to help a bit, but I am still randomly contracting as I'm typing this hours later.
I'm very sad to admit that I may have to start restricting my activities even more. I hate sitting in my house thinking about all of the things that I could be doing and not being able to do them. I'm also super frightened about not being able to take care of the boys if I'm not allowed to be on my feet. I have no clue what we would do. The best I can do at this point is put it all in God's hands and take it easy.
Tomorrow morning, Aaron and I are going to Phoenix Children's Hospital to meet with a pediatric kidney doctor. This has been such an emotional journey for us. We were scared to death about the possibilities, then we felt at peace with everything and believed Kenton was fine, now we are at a wait and see point. At first, we both didn't think it was necessary to meet with the kidney doctor because they would call one in at the hospital if they felt it was necessary. However, in the past week, my heart is telling me that this is the route we need to go. As I've been praying and re-reading Genesis as part of my Bible reading plan, I started feeling in my heart-of-hearts that God is preparing us for a big battle ahead. So, I digress, we will be meeting with the pediatric nephrologist tomorrow morning to discuss Kenton's test results and possible diagnosis. From there, we will come up with a plan of action (hopefully) for treatment.
This has been a rough week. Luckily, Aaron took tomorrow off to go the doctor. This means that I get three days with my hubby, and hopefully some time off of my feet. Hopefully the control freak side of me can sit for a bit! :)
Since it was a Monday, Talan didn't have school and I had both boys all day. I made breakfast for the boys, cleaned it up, did a quick craft with them, cleaned it up, dusted, made lunch, cleaned it up, put Hunter down for a nap, sat for a bit (when Talan would actually rest like he was supposed to be doing), made dinner, and went to our neighborhood group for church. Oh, I also folded the laundry, put it all away, and picked out the boys' clothes for the week. Overall, nothing too crazy, but Kenton thought otherwise. For the first time since not working, I was contracting pretty steadily.
I knew I had just overdone it and tried to sit and drink as much water as possible. The day after contracting, I tend to be worn out so I planned on an easy day. I wasn't going to do the vacuuming I had originally planned. I obviously had to take care of the kids and make sure everyone was fed, but sat most of the day.
On Wednesday, I assumed I would be as good as new and back to normal. Boy, was I wrong! I still felt exhausted and run-down. My legs felt like they couldn't support me if I was up for more than a few minutes at a time. To top it off, neither boy decided they were going to rest or nap at all. I was exhausted and just needed a break. Luckily, my loving mom came over and allowed me to take a much needed rest in my room.
Today was a better day. I woke up feeling weak again, but decided to try to get ready and see if that helped at all. Once Talan got on the bus to school, Hunter and I made a quick trip up to the store. I was able to do a few organizational things while sitting down today, which made me feel like I was at least accomplishing something. I also made a super yummy dinner. However, by the time it was time to eat, the contractions came back. I sat down and drank some water. This seemed to help a bit, but I am still randomly contracting as I'm typing this hours later.
I'm very sad to admit that I may have to start restricting my activities even more. I hate sitting in my house thinking about all of the things that I could be doing and not being able to do them. I'm also super frightened about not being able to take care of the boys if I'm not allowed to be on my feet. I have no clue what we would do. The best I can do at this point is put it all in God's hands and take it easy.
Tomorrow morning, Aaron and I are going to Phoenix Children's Hospital to meet with a pediatric kidney doctor. This has been such an emotional journey for us. We were scared to death about the possibilities, then we felt at peace with everything and believed Kenton was fine, now we are at a wait and see point. At first, we both didn't think it was necessary to meet with the kidney doctor because they would call one in at the hospital if they felt it was necessary. However, in the past week, my heart is telling me that this is the route we need to go. As I've been praying and re-reading Genesis as part of my Bible reading plan, I started feeling in my heart-of-hearts that God is preparing us for a big battle ahead. So, I digress, we will be meeting with the pediatric nephrologist tomorrow morning to discuss Kenton's test results and possible diagnosis. From there, we will come up with a plan of action (hopefully) for treatment.
This has been a rough week. Luckily, Aaron took tomorrow off to go the doctor. This means that I get three days with my hubby, and hopefully some time off of my feet. Hopefully the control freak side of me can sit for a bit! :)
Thursday, January 19, 2012
It's Working!
So, I've officially been off of work for two weeks now. Although it's a little bittersweet, it is definitely doing the trick.
Since being off of work, I really haven't had any contractions. I have the occasional Braxton Hicks contractions (which is normal), but nothing like the consistent and low contractions I was having (which isn't normal). Plus, my house is clean. It may take me all day to clean a bathroom or to vacuum, but it's at least done.
Today I had my two week appointment at the doctor's office. It was rather routine. I'm measuring perfect and Kenton's heart beat was strong. Here is what the next two weeks look like in regards to Kenton:
Since being off of work, I really haven't had any contractions. I have the occasional Braxton Hicks contractions (which is normal), but nothing like the consistent and low contractions I was having (which isn't normal). Plus, my house is clean. It may take me all day to clean a bathroom or to vacuum, but it's at least done.
Today I had my two week appointment at the doctor's office. It was rather routine. I'm measuring perfect and Kenton's heart beat was strong. Here is what the next two weeks look like in regards to Kenton:
- Tuesday, January 24th: Weekly 17 P injection, blood pressure check, listen to Kenton's heartbeat
- Friday, January 27th: We are meeting with a pediatric nephrologist (kidney doctor). We will be reviewing all of the test results thus far on Kenton and a possible plan of action if he does test positive for the Congenital Finnish Nephrosis when he is born. It is important that he receives immediate care if this is, in fact, his diagnosis. I am, of course, praying we won't need her services, but better safe than sorry.
- Tuesday, January 30th: Weekly 17 P injection, blood pressure check, listen to Kenton's heartbeat
- Wednesday, February 1st: Ultrasound and Consult with new doctor. This is the 2nd opinion my OB suggested we have from the high-risk OB. The doctor will be doing a growth ultrasound on Kenton, as well as reviewing all of the genetic tests we had done. We are hoping this doctor may have some additional insight as to the abnormal protein levels and inconclusive genetic testing. If not, we at least have met with the doctor that might be treating me in the hospital.
- Thursday, February 2nd: Regular OB appointment with Dr. Branaman. This will be a routine 2 week appointment. We will hopefully have some new information from the appointment the previous day to discuss as well.
The" M" Word
For the past year or two, Aaron and I have been working hard to figure out our finances. In fact, we are still in the process of trying to work out a loan modification on our house. It seems like money is the root of so many obstacles.
However, I am here to attest that we have found a solution to our money problems. What is the magical solution you ask? Well, it's a combination of things: faith, tithing, and giving.
Yep - I just went there and I'm glad I did! Here's a bit of our story ...
Many years ago when Aaron and I were first married, we were attending Central Christian Church of the East Valley. We were young and just starting our careers. The pastor had a series on finances and Aaron and I decided to give this "tithing" thing a chance. Aaron was only working part time while he finished school, and I was student teaching. Needless to say, money was not abundant. It was very scary to give 10% of the little amount we had. However, we took a leap of faith and God blessed us. We somehow managed to have the money we needed and then some ... it seriously felt like money was just falling into our lap at times.
We then moved to the West Valley. I got a full time teaching position. Aaron was still finishing school and working part time. We were so occupied with starting our new lives and never found our church home. I could make all of the excuses in the world, but the truth is that we pushed God aside and didn't make him a priority in our lives.
Skip ahead to this past summer. As many of you know, Aaron and I finally found our church home and we recommitted ourselves to God and decided to make Him a priority in our lives. With that, we made the decision to start tithing again. Once again, this was very difficult because we were really struggling financially. However, we knew this is what we were supposed to be doing.
With me not returning to work in January, we were really worried about how we would pay our bills, especially in the long run. Let's be honest, we still are worried about this. However, we've put our faith in God and His plan for our family. We have continued to tithe and give to our wonderful church.
This week, I received a phone call from the company that is handling my short-term disability. (With Talan, my short-term disability was a joke. I was paid nothing when put onto bed rest and only received one check, which also included my maternity leave. Needless to say, we weren't expecting much this go around.) I am happy to say we were very pleasantly surprised. I will be receiving a monthly check up until the time that Kenton is born. This check is a little less than I would take home in a month. If you take away our childcare costs that we aren't spending right now, then we actually break even. This is an amazing blessing and truly helps lesson the burden and worry.
I'm not going to lie and say that we have absolutely no worries or fears about our finances. However, this was yet another reminder that God will and does provide for us.
It is truly amazing what God can do in your life. As I sit, I reflect upon my beautiful family, the fact that I was able to buy things at the store today, came home to a roof over our heads, had the money to pay for a doctor's visit, listened to our unborn miracle's heartbeat, and spent the evening with my family and support system.
It is so easy to get wrapped up on the things that go wrong in a day. It's much more difficult sometimes to remember how lucky we are. Put your trust in God ... you'll be amazed in what he can do!
However, I am here to attest that we have found a solution to our money problems. What is the magical solution you ask? Well, it's a combination of things: faith, tithing, and giving.
Yep - I just went there and I'm glad I did! Here's a bit of our story ...
Many years ago when Aaron and I were first married, we were attending Central Christian Church of the East Valley. We were young and just starting our careers. The pastor had a series on finances and Aaron and I decided to give this "tithing" thing a chance. Aaron was only working part time while he finished school, and I was student teaching. Needless to say, money was not abundant. It was very scary to give 10% of the little amount we had. However, we took a leap of faith and God blessed us. We somehow managed to have the money we needed and then some ... it seriously felt like money was just falling into our lap at times.
We then moved to the West Valley. I got a full time teaching position. Aaron was still finishing school and working part time. We were so occupied with starting our new lives and never found our church home. I could make all of the excuses in the world, but the truth is that we pushed God aside and didn't make him a priority in our lives.
Skip ahead to this past summer. As many of you know, Aaron and I finally found our church home and we recommitted ourselves to God and decided to make Him a priority in our lives. With that, we made the decision to start tithing again. Once again, this was very difficult because we were really struggling financially. However, we knew this is what we were supposed to be doing.
With me not returning to work in January, we were really worried about how we would pay our bills, especially in the long run. Let's be honest, we still are worried about this. However, we've put our faith in God and His plan for our family. We have continued to tithe and give to our wonderful church.
This week, I received a phone call from the company that is handling my short-term disability. (With Talan, my short-term disability was a joke. I was paid nothing when put onto bed rest and only received one check, which also included my maternity leave. Needless to say, we weren't expecting much this go around.) I am happy to say we were very pleasantly surprised. I will be receiving a monthly check up until the time that Kenton is born. This check is a little less than I would take home in a month. If you take away our childcare costs that we aren't spending right now, then we actually break even. This is an amazing blessing and truly helps lesson the burden and worry.
I'm not going to lie and say that we have absolutely no worries or fears about our finances. However, this was yet another reminder that God will and does provide for us.
Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”It is truly amazing what God can do in your life. As I sit, I reflect upon my beautiful family, the fact that I was able to buy things at the store today, came home to a roof over our heads, had the money to pay for a doctor's visit, listened to our unborn miracle's heartbeat, and spent the evening with my family and support system.
It is so easy to get wrapped up on the things that go wrong in a day. It's much more difficult sometimes to remember how lucky we are. Put your trust in God ... you'll be amazed in what he can do!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Snow Day
One of the hardest things for me, being a working mom, is missing out on Talan's school activities. I've always had "mommy's guilt." Well, I got the pleasure of being a parent volunteer today! I helped with centers and with all of the snow day activities. Not only did I have fun, but Talan had a blast!
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| Everyone is dressed and watching a quick video as we wait our turn. |
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| Here we go! |
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Pictures
Over Winter Break, we had pictures taken from some very talented ladies at my school. The boys had a blast playing in the leaves and we got some fabulous candid pictures. Since we never seem to get the boys' birthday pictures taken, we thought this was a great opportunity to capture some great memories before the addition of our precious Kenton.
There are way too many good ones for me to post all here. Luckily, they are also on a DVD slideshow that I will post below. I will also post some of my favorite individual pictures on my Facebook page. :)
There are way too many good ones for me to post all here. Luckily, they are also on a DVD slideshow that I will post below. I will also post some of my favorite individual pictures on my Facebook page. :)
Hunter's Stats
Hunter has spent the last two days going for check-ups. He's such a trooper!
Yesterday morning, Aaron took Hunter to the ENT for a follow-up for his tubes. He is doing wonderfully and the tubes seem to be doing the trick. He doesn't have any fluid in his ears and his hearing doesn't seem to be impaired anymore. We go back in another six months to make sure everything still looks good and to see if the tubes have fallen out yet or not.
Today, I took him for his 2 year well-check. There are no concerns with him and he seems to be developing right on track. He weighs in at 27 pounds, 2 ounces (between 25%-50%), and is 32 inches tall (5%). His head is a whopping 50 centimeters (between 75%-90%).
So, it appears Talan and Hunter have both inherited my height, poor things. Since Kenton is currently measuring at 50%, maybe there's hope for him at least! :)
Yesterday morning, Aaron took Hunter to the ENT for a follow-up for his tubes. He is doing wonderfully and the tubes seem to be doing the trick. He doesn't have any fluid in his ears and his hearing doesn't seem to be impaired anymore. We go back in another six months to make sure everything still looks good and to see if the tubes have fallen out yet or not.
Today, I took him for his 2 year well-check. There are no concerns with him and he seems to be developing right on track. He weighs in at 27 pounds, 2 ounces (between 25%-50%), and is 32 inches tall (5%). His head is a whopping 50 centimeters (between 75%-90%).
So, it appears Talan and Hunter have both inherited my height, poor things. Since Kenton is currently measuring at 50%, maybe there's hope for him at least! :)
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
2nd Opinion
My OB called me this afternoon and we had a very good conversation. Dr. Ponkey (the doctor from Fetal Women's Center) called and discussed the final genetic test results with Dr. Branaman. After that conversation, Dr. Branaman wanted to touch base with me.
After some discussion, we decided that it would be a good idea to get a second opinion on Kenton's potential diagnosis. From her conversation with Dr. Ponkey, Dr. Branaman got the impression that Dr. Ponkey still believes that Kenton could have kidney nephrosis but they just couldn't find the second gene to confirm the diagnosis.
Since this is such a rare diagnosis and I am classified as a high-risk pregnancy, Dr. Branaman wants us go see a perinatologist. The perinatologist will then do another ultrasound and review all of the test results we have already done. Also, the perinatologist we will see is at Banner Thunderbird where we will be delivering Kenton. If there were to be any issues though the rest of the pregnancy (preeclampsia, pre-term, etc.), I would end up seeing thing perinatologist in the hospital anyway. So, we basically get to touch base with another potential doctor, as well as receive a second opinion.
That doctor's appointment is scheduled for February 1st at 9 am. Meanwhile, we are continuing to pray for a healthy baby boy and for the wisdom of the doctors. Beyond that, I need some prayers on how to talk to Talan about this situation. I know that he knows that something isn't quite right, but he doesn't know how to verbalize his concerns. I want to protect and shield him from all of this, but also want him to be prepared in case Kenton is sick.
After some discussion, we decided that it would be a good idea to get a second opinion on Kenton's potential diagnosis. From her conversation with Dr. Ponkey, Dr. Branaman got the impression that Dr. Ponkey still believes that Kenton could have kidney nephrosis but they just couldn't find the second gene to confirm the diagnosis.
Since this is such a rare diagnosis and I am classified as a high-risk pregnancy, Dr. Branaman wants us go see a perinatologist. The perinatologist will then do another ultrasound and review all of the test results we have already done. Also, the perinatologist we will see is at Banner Thunderbird where we will be delivering Kenton. If there were to be any issues though the rest of the pregnancy (preeclampsia, pre-term, etc.), I would end up seeing thing perinatologist in the hospital anyway. So, we basically get to touch base with another potential doctor, as well as receive a second opinion.
That doctor's appointment is scheduled for February 1st at 9 am. Meanwhile, we are continuing to pray for a healthy baby boy and for the wisdom of the doctors. Beyond that, I need some prayers on how to talk to Talan about this situation. I know that he knows that something isn't quite right, but he doesn't know how to verbalize his concerns. I want to protect and shield him from all of this, but also want him to be prepared in case Kenton is sick.
Monday, January 9, 2012
BIG Day
Today marked a day of changes in the Zsilavec household. Rather than waking up to go to work, I got to wake up and spend time with my boys. Although I will miss my students more than words can express, I am excited to spend some quality one-on-one time with my two boys before Kenton arrives.
Beyond that ... Hunter is TWO today! Although the beginning couple of months with Hunter was rough, he has grown into such a charming, outgoing, and adventurous little boy. He is talking more and more each day and developing quite the personality.
Happy 2nd Birthday, Sweet Boy! We love you more than words can express!
Beyond that ... Hunter is TWO today! Although the beginning couple of months with Hunter was rough, he has grown into such a charming, outgoing, and adventurous little boy. He is talking more and more each day and developing quite the personality.
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| January 9, 2010 |
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| November 2011 |
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| 1st Birthday |
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| A preview of Hunter's 2nd birthday pictures. I can't wait to see the rest! |
Happy 2nd Birthday, Sweet Boy! We love you more than words can express!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Celebrating Hunter
Today, we celebrated my baby's second birthday with a Mickey Mouse theme. It's hard to believe that it's been almost two years since we welcomed our outgoing, adventurous little boy into this world.
Thank you to everyone who helped make Hunter's day so special. He loved having people over and LOVES all of his new presents.
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| I took the lazy way out this year and made Mickey cupcakes rather than the Mickey cake. |
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| Hunter was eager to play. |
Hunter decided it was time to open presents without us realizing it. I originally had him stop, but then we opted to let him go at it ... it is his birthday!
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| Here we go! |
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| This is seriously the cutest picture. Talan was being so patient and letting his brother open, but had to be right by his side. :0 |
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| Aunt Emily, Uncle Travis, and Claire sent Hunter a Snuggie for Kids. Once he realizes what it does, he's going to be in heaven! |
After the marathon of opening, it was time for cupcakes.
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| Hunter was singing "Happy Birthday" with everyone. |
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| He actually blew out his candles on his own! |
Thank you to everyone who helped make Hunter's day so special. He loved having people over and LOVES all of his new presents.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Ultrasound and Genetic Test Results
After our OB appointment, we then had a growth ultrasound on Kenton.
Kenton is doing fabulous! He is estimated to be 2 pounds, 10 ounces and in the 51%. This is bigger than Talan or Hunter ever measured. He is definitely a stubborn boy and wouldn't cooperate for the technician again. However, we did get some pictures of his face, which we weren't able to get last time.
We then met with Dr. Ponkey, who reviewed the ultrasound with us, as well as had the final genetic test results for us. The brief synopsis is that the genetic results were inconclusive. I will do my best to explain, but I'm definitely not a doctor. :)
In order for Kenton to have congenital nephrosis (problems with his kidneys), he needs to have two recessive genes. They checked through a couple of different genes and were able to find one of the recessive genes, but not the second. Since this is such a rare disorder, it is unknown if there are more places in the DNA where the gene can be and so they aren't sure if they missed it or not. So, it could be that he is simply a carrier for congenital nephrosis and perfectly fine. However, it could also be that he does have congenital nephrosis but they were just unable to locate the other recessive gene.
At this point, we do everything we can to help Kenton "cook" longer and wait until he is born to find out conclusively what is going on with our little man. Dr. Ponkey suggested that we set up an appointment with the NICU doctors over at Banner Thunderbird. Since Kenton's possible diagnosis is extremely rare, it's important that the doctors know about it in advance and are prepared for his arrival. When he comes, they will do a test on his urine and see if there is an excessive amount of protein. If there is, then we will see a pediatric kidney specialist and go from there. If there isn't, we'll praise God!
Either way, he is a blessing to our family and will be a great addition to my brood of boys.
Kenton is doing fabulous! He is estimated to be 2 pounds, 10 ounces and in the 51%. This is bigger than Talan or Hunter ever measured. He is definitely a stubborn boy and wouldn't cooperate for the technician again. However, we did get some pictures of his face, which we weren't able to get last time.
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| This isn't the best quality, but you can still see his cute face! |
We then met with Dr. Ponkey, who reviewed the ultrasound with us, as well as had the final genetic test results for us. The brief synopsis is that the genetic results were inconclusive. I will do my best to explain, but I'm definitely not a doctor. :)
In order for Kenton to have congenital nephrosis (problems with his kidneys), he needs to have two recessive genes. They checked through a couple of different genes and were able to find one of the recessive genes, but not the second. Since this is such a rare disorder, it is unknown if there are more places in the DNA where the gene can be and so they aren't sure if they missed it or not. So, it could be that he is simply a carrier for congenital nephrosis and perfectly fine. However, it could also be that he does have congenital nephrosis but they were just unable to locate the other recessive gene.
At this point, we do everything we can to help Kenton "cook" longer and wait until he is born to find out conclusively what is going on with our little man. Dr. Ponkey suggested that we set up an appointment with the NICU doctors over at Banner Thunderbird. Since Kenton's possible diagnosis is extremely rare, it's important that the doctors know about it in advance and are prepared for his arrival. When he comes, they will do a test on his urine and see if there is an excessive amount of protein. If there is, then we will see a pediatric kidney specialist and go from there. If there isn't, we'll praise God!
Either way, he is a blessing to our family and will be a great addition to my brood of boys.
OB Appointment Today
Today was filled with doctor appointments for Kenton. We've been really focusing on our family as of late and trying not to worry too much about Kenton. Today, he got all of our focus again. :)
We started off the day at my bi-weekly OB appointment. Today I am 27 weeks and 5 days a long. I have gained a total of 15 pounds, which is right where I've been with all of my pregnancies. My belly is measuring right where it should be and I have not dilated anymore. This is all great news! Kenton is sitting extremely low and causing a lot of pressure and weight on my cervix, but nothing is dilating right now. Hunter sat low the whole time too, so this isn't too much of a concern.
With mixed emotions, I am also not allowed to return to work. Since I have contractions if I'm on my feet for more than an hour or do too much activity, my doctor is concerned that I will not listen to my body and sit down and rest when necessary. She must know me too well. :) I hate that I won't be with my class anymore. Those kids are my babies away from my own. I've had them for a year in a half now and it's going to be hard to give up my control. However, control is something I have learned that I do not have over anything ... God has that. :) The good news is that I'm not technically on bed rest. I can still be up and doing things, but need to be able to sit and/lay if need be. This means that I can try to get into some sort of routine at home, which hopefully will carry over once Kenton is here.
I go back for another check at the OB on January 19th.
We started off the day at my bi-weekly OB appointment. Today I am 27 weeks and 5 days a long. I have gained a total of 15 pounds, which is right where I've been with all of my pregnancies. My belly is measuring right where it should be and I have not dilated anymore. This is all great news! Kenton is sitting extremely low and causing a lot of pressure and weight on my cervix, but nothing is dilating right now. Hunter sat low the whole time too, so this isn't too much of a concern.
With mixed emotions, I am also not allowed to return to work. Since I have contractions if I'm on my feet for more than an hour or do too much activity, my doctor is concerned that I will not listen to my body and sit down and rest when necessary. She must know me too well. :) I hate that I won't be with my class anymore. Those kids are my babies away from my own. I've had them for a year in a half now and it's going to be hard to give up my control. However, control is something I have learned that I do not have over anything ... God has that. :) The good news is that I'm not technically on bed rest. I can still be up and doing things, but need to be able to sit and/lay if need be. This means that I can try to get into some sort of routine at home, which hopefully will carry over once Kenton is here.
I go back for another check at the OB on January 19th.
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